How to choose materials for a sustainable interior?

Do you have a renovation or interior design project in Lausanne or the canton of Vaud and want to make responsible choices? Choosing the right materials is one of the most crucial decisions in your project, influencing the sustainability of your interior, your health, and the environment. Learn how to recognize sustainable materials and create a healthy and sustainable interior in the canton of Vaud.

What is a sustainable material?

More than longevity

A durable material is not simply one that lasts. This concept encompasses several complementary facets that are important to understand before making your choice for your Lausanne project.

Environmental sustainability assesses the ecological footprint of a material throughout its entire life cycle: raw material extraction, processing, transport, use, and end-of-life. A locally sourced, renewable, and recyclable material often has a lower environmental footprint.

Functional durability refers to a material's resistance to wear, impact, moisture, and temperature changes. A material that needs frequent replacement is not durable, even if it is initially environmentally friendly.

Health sustainability measures the impact on indoor air quality and the health of occupants. VOC-free, natural, and chemically untreated materials promote a healthy living environment.

Certifications you should know

In the canton of Vaud, as throughout Switzerland, labels and certifications help you identify sustainable materials. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. MINERGIE is a construction standard that emphasizes the energy efficiency and comfort of buildings.

The natureplus and Blue Angel labels recognize environmentally friendly and healthy building materials. The Swiss COBS (Conference of Construction Services) label certifies construction products. Learn about them to make the right decisions during your renovation in Lausanne.

Durable floor coverings

Solid wood flooring: a timeless classic

Solid wood flooring remains one of the most durable choices for your Lausanne floor. With proper care, it will last for years without going out of style and can be sanded and refinished several times.

Choose local or European wood species (oak, beech, ash) to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. Solid wood regulates humidity, insulates against noise, and does not release toxic products like synthetic coatings.

Its higher purchase price is largely offset by its durability and renovability. A wise investment for your apartment or house in the canton of Vaud.

Porcelain stoneware tiles: durable and easy to maintain

Porcelain stoneware tiles combine strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. This material, ideal for damp rooms (kitchen, bathroom), resists water, stains, and heavy traffic without being damaged.

Its production requires high-temperature firing, and therefore energy, but its longevity (several decades) offsets this initial impact. Opt for tiles made in Europe to reduce transport emissions.

Porcelain stoneware requires no chemical maintenance and remains like new for years. Its excellent value for money and durability make it a wise choice for renovations in Lausanne.

Natural solutions

Natural linoleum, made from linseed oil, natural resins, and wood flour, is an eco-friendly option. Don't confuse it with synthetic linoleum (PVC), which is anything but natural. True linoleum is biodegradable, naturally antibacterial, and comes in a variety of colors.

Cork is also a sustainable, renewable alternative with good thermal and acoustic insulation performance. Very pleasant underfoot, it's suitable for bedrooms and offices in your Lausanne home.

Eco-friendly materials for walls

Ecological and natural paints

Traditional paints are full of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that pollute indoor air for months after application. For a healthy indoor environment in Lausanne, opt for "VOC-free" or very low-VOC paints.

Natural paints made with lime, clay, or casein are the most environmentally friendly choice. They are naturally hygroscopic, breathable, and healthy. Lime paint is even naturally antibacterial and antifungal.

These natural paints are sometimes a little more technically demanding to apply, but their complete safety and unique aesthetic finish are well worth the slight extra labor cost. An interior designer can guide you toward the best products in the canton of Vaud.

Natural plasters

Lime or clay plasters transform your walls into humidity regulators and air purifiers. These time-honored materials have stood the test of time in Lausanne's old buildings, a testament to their exceptional durability.

Clay absorbs pollutants, regulates humidity, and offers a range of warm, natural colors. Lime disinfects walls, prevents mold, and is ideal for the old buildings in the center of Lausanne thanks to its permeability.

These natural plasters require a certain skill to apply correctly. Their purchase price is offset by their longevity and their health and comfort benefits.

Wood for the walls

Solid wood paneling and wainscoting provide warmth and naturally regulate humidity. The wood absorbs excess moisture and releases it when the air is too dry, ensuring ideal humidity levels.

Opt for locally sourced, untreated wood, simply oiled or waxed with natural products. This method ensures healthy indoor air quality and preserves the natural beauty of the material in your home.

Sustainable materials for kitchens and bathrooms

Natural stone worktops

Granite, marble, and lava stone are very durable materials for kitchen countertops. Resistant to impacts, heat, and stains (especially granite), they last for decades without deteriorating.

Their extraction and transport are polluting, but their lifespan of several decades more than offsets this initial carbon investment. Choose European stones over Asian stones to limit your transport footprint.

Reconstituted quartz, made from 90% natural quartz and resins, is a more uniform and equally resistant option, with even simpler maintenance than natural stone.

Alternatives to solid wood

For kitchen and bathroom furniture, solid wood remains the most durable option, provided it is well protected against moisture. Natural oils and waxes form a protective barrier while allowing the wood to breathe.

High-quality plywood is more dimensionally stable and less susceptible to moisture than solid wood. Make sure it is certified formaldehyde-free to maintain good indoor air quality in your Lausanne home.

Avoid particleboard (MDF, chipboard) even "water-resistant" because they do not withstand moisture well in the long term and often contain glues that are harmful to health.

The taps and equipment

Opt for quality faucets made of chrome-plated brass or stainless steel rather than cheap models made of lightweight alloys. Good faucets last twenty years or more, while cheap faucets need replacing every five years.

High-quality ceramic bathroom fixtures (sinks, toilets, bathtubs) last for decades without deteriorating. Their higher purchase price is quickly recouped and avoids premature replacements and waste.

Materials to avoid for a sustainable interior

The problematic synthetic coatings

PVC (vinyl) in all its forms poses environmental and health problems. It is manufactured using polluting processes, emits phthalates into the indoor air, and is not recyclable. While its price may be tempting, it is not a sustainable investment for your renovation project in Lausanne.

Synthetic carpets, chemically treated against stains and dust mites, pollute indoor air and need to be replaced regularly. If you insist on carpeting, choose untreated natural wool, which is naturally durable and healthy.

Cheap laminate flooring that imitates wood or stone deteriorates quickly, cannot be repaired, and always ends up in the landfill after a few years. A cheap, fake wood floor costs more than real wood flooring over 20 years.

Low-grade particleboard

Low-quality particleboard furniture is a waste of resources. It doesn't last more than ten years, it warps, it doesn't withstand moving, and it emits formaldehyde for years.

For sustainable interior design in the canton of Vaud, always opt for solid wood, quality multiplex or, failing that, E1 or E0 certified particleboard (very low formaldehyde emission) from renowned manufacturers.

Unnecessary chemical treatments

Avoid "treated" materials: wood treated with insecticides, stain-resistant fabrics, antibacterial paints. These chemicals pollute indoor air and are unnecessary in a typical home.

Well-chosen natural materials have their own protective properties: oak is naturally insect-resistant, lime and clay are naturally antibacterial, and vegetable oils provide excellent wood protection. Always opt for natural materials.

How to reconcile sustainability and budget

Invest as a priority

Not all the materials in your home need to be so durable. Focus on structural elements that are difficult to replace: flooring, bathroom tiles, fitted kitchen, and joinery.

Don't skimp on quality when it comes to these items. Solid wood flooring is more expensive than laminate, but it lasts four to five times longer and can be refinished several times. The initial investment is quickly recouped.

On the other hand, for easily replaceable decorative elements (paints, fabrics, accessories), you can be more daring and change more often without jeopardizing the sustainability of your Lausanne decor.

Buy less but better

The "less is more" principle applies to interior materials. A quality solid wood piece of furniture is three times more expensive than a flat-pack piece, but it will last thirty years instead of five and will transcend trends thanks to its timeless design.

This method saves you money in the long run and reduces your environmental footprint. Less replacement means less waste, less transport, and less manufacturing.

An interior designer will help you find these smart trade-offs, investing where it really matters for a sustainable and economical interior in the long term.

Consider the total cost

Think in terms of total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. A material that lasts twice as long can be 50% more expensive without costing more. Add in the savings on maintenance, replacement, and hassle.

Solid wood flooring needs sanding every 15 years. Laminate flooring needs to be completely replaced every 10 years, involving tradespeople, waste, and having to empty the room. The overall cost calculation always favors durable quality.

Maintenance, a guarantee of longevity

Natural materials that develop a patina

Natural materials have the ability to age beautifully. Aged oak flooring has a history, patinated natural stone acquires character, and solid wood furniture develops a patina over time.

This natural patina is part of a lasting aesthetic. Instead of aiming for clinical perfection that requires regular replacements, let your interior live and evolve over time in your Lausanne home.

This approach transforms your relationship with materials and frees you from the stress of obsessive maintenance. A sustainable interior is not a static interior; it's an interior that evolves with you.

Proper maintenance techniques

Each material requires specific care to prolong its lifespan. Wood is nourished with natural products (oil, wax) that nourish the fibers without forming an impermeable film. Natural stone should be washed with water and neutral soap; avoid acidic products.

Natural plasters can be dry-brushed for light soiling and revived with a damp sponge. Their low maintenance is one of their many advantages for your Vaudois interior.

Avoid harsh, chemical cleaners that damage natural materials and pollute indoor air. Water, Marseille soap, white vinegar, and baking soda are sufficient for 90% of your cleaning needs.

FAQ: Sustainable materials for the interior

Are sustainable materials more expensive?

Yes, high-quality, durable materials are 30 to 80% more expensive than lower-end options when purchased. However, this analysis is misleading if you only consider the initial price. Over their lifespan, durable materials are often less expensive. Solid wood flooring at CHF 150/m² that lasts forty years is cheaper than laminate flooring at CHF 60/m² that needs replacing every ten years. And that's without even considering the additional costs: replacement labor, disruption, and waste. For your project in Lausanne, think of it as an investment, not an expense. An interior designer can help you determine where to prioritize your investments to better manage your budget in the long run.

Can we combine high-quality materials with more affordable materials?

Yes, and it's actually the best way to stay within your budget. Focus on durable materials for structural elements that are difficult to replace: flooring in living areas, bathroom tiles, fitted kitchen, and exterior joinery. For these items, quality is essential. However, for easily replaceable decorative elements (paints, fabrics, lighting, accessories), you can choose more affordable options that you can change as you please. This hybrid approach allows you to have a sustainable interior in the canton of Vaud while still having the flexibility to update your décor over the years without a complete renovation.

Are locally sourced materials always more sustainable?

Local materials often have a better environmental footprint thanks to the significant reduction in transportation. Swiss or French wood emits far less than exotic wood shipped from Asia. Furthermore, local materials are better suited to the Vaud climate: European wood withstands our temperature and humidity variations well, unlike some exotic species. However, "local" doesn't necessarily mean "sustainable": a poor-quality local material that needs frequent replacement is still a bad choice. Ideally, you want to combine proximity and quality. Your interior designer in Lausanne knows local suppliers of materials that offer both.

How can we be sure that a material is truly ecological and healthy?

Be vigilant against "greenwashing," where manufacturers pretend to sell green products without any real substance. Always ensure the presence of recognized certifications: FSC or PEFC for wood, NaturePlus or Blue Angel for building materials, and "VOC-free" labels for paints. Consult the technical data sheets and environmental declarations of the products. Beware of the words "natural" or "ecological" without certification or proof. A truly sustainable material is transparent about its composition, origin, certifications, and performance. Ask your supplier or interior designer about these points. The professionals in the canton of Vaud know what's good and can guide you toward truly sustainable and healthy options for your Lausanne project.

HEMMAMIA Council

At HEMMAMIA, we integrate sustainability into our interior design projects in Lausanne and the canton of Vaud. Our approach goes beyond simply choosing certified materials; it involves carefully listening to your needs to provide sustainable solutions.

Our team favors natural, local, and high-quality materials that will stand the test of time and provide you with a healthy interior. We collaborate with a network of suppliers and artisans who share our values of quality and environmental responsibility.

We also help you choose between sustainability and budget, identifying areas where quality is essential and those where more flexibility is possible. Our mission: to design beautiful, healthy, and sustainable interiors that reflect your personality.

Create a sustainable interior with HEMMAMIA

Choosing sustainable materials for your home in Lausanne is more than just an eco-friendly choice; it's a wise investment in your comfort, your health, and the value of your property. An interior crafted with high-quality materials never goes out of style or deteriorates.

Contact us now for an initial consultation and see how to design a beautiful, healthy, and truly sustainable interior. Our expertise will guide you toward the materials best suited to your project, budget, and values.

Let's build your future interior together!